WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) celebrated the passage of key provisions he championed in the year-end federal spending bill.
“The historic investments advanced in our bipartisan omnibus package are a reflection of America’s deepest values,” Congressman Tonko said. “I’m proud to vote for this legislation that works to drive innovation, support our most vulnerable communities, create good jobs, address the disease of addiction and so much more. I look forward to seeing these key provisions and programs enacted at once to give much-needed support and improve the lives of so many in our community.”
Provisions Tonko authored that are included in the 2023 omnibus bill:
All 15 Community Project Funding requests that Tonko championed, which will bring $12,849,613 in direct federal investments to the Capital Region for projects that will support underserved communities, strengthen mental health services, invest in water infrastructure, drive economic development, and much more.
The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act that eliminates the redundant requirement that practitioners apply for a separate waiver through the Drug Enforcement Administration to prescribe buprenorphine for substance use disorder treatment. After France took similar action to make buprenorphine available without a specialized waiver, opioid overdose deaths declined by 79 percent over a four-year period.
The Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant Act, which reauthorizes the crucial Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant Act for an additional five years, thereby providing sustained investment in evidence-based programs that support individuals, families, and municipalities struggling with addiction.
The Helping Experts Accelerate Rare Treatments (HEART) Act that strengthens the U.S. Food and Drug Administration review process for drugs that treat rare and ultra-rare diseases by involving scientists and doctors with expertise along with patients and families . This legislation was inspired by a constituent whose daughter is living with Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome.
The Manufacturing.gov Act that would establish a one-stop hub to connect manufacturers with federal manufacturing programs.
A provision to amend the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act that would strengthen the role of the Federal Trade Commission and address recent constitutional challenges to the law to secure a brighter future for the horseracing industry.
The Medicaid Directory of Caregivers Act (Medicaid DOC Act) to improve access to doctors for Medicaid participants by requiring states and Medicaid managed care companies to publish and regularly update searchable provider directories.
$29.2 million in funding delivered to National Heritage Areas (a $2 million increase in funding from last year), with funding deadlines extended through 2024 for 5 National Heritage Areas.
The EV Grid Act to have the Department of Energy study how electricity demands from electric vehicle charging infrastructure will affect the electric grid in the future.
Text of the 2023 federal funding package can be found HERE.
